Polishing wheels.

[Paul Higg]

Here is a before and after photo of the aluminum center hubs. I used gray Scotch Brite pads, then 000 steel wool, and then 0000 steel wool and finally Mother's to buff them. I probably could have gotten away without the Mother's because it is very abrasive and all aluminum has a grain like wood grain. If you swirl Mother's it will scratch in swirls. Anyway, I am going to do this to each wheel one at a time. I decided to forgo the aircraft stripper. I called Bondo and they said it could destroy the rubber on the tires and I do not have the resources to unmount the rims and do them one at a time. So some Scotch Brite, steel wool, and elbow grease will do the trick. They will shine like new when I am done with them. Anyone have any ideas what to apply to the finished surface BESIDES poly to keep them shiny?

Paul

 

[Paul Higg]

Actually, the one on the left is so shiny it is like a mirror. This photo does not do it justice.

 

[Toms007]

Paul, I think that some guys use a product called ZOOP-SEAL (not sure of the spelling) that they claim is superior seal for aluminum.

 

[Paul Higg]

Ahhh! Thanks again Tom!

Happy toikey day by the way!!

I'm gonna try that sealer because I know what it is like to keep aircraft aluminum looking pretty, a LOT of elbow grease and polish.